The extent and determinants of SDG disclosures in Vietnamese listed firms
ISSN: 2049-372X
Article publication date: 20 January 2025
Issue publication date: 12 February 2025
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) disclosures among Vietnamese listed firms and identify key influencing factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyse SDG-related disclosures of the top 100 listed firms by market capitalisation on the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh stock exchanges as of December 31, 2023, using an established reporting methodology. Data were sourced from annual, corporate governance, ESG, financial and sustainability reports. A regression model was used to examine factors influencing SDG disclosure.
Findings
SDG disclosure among Vietnamese firms is relatively low. Corporate governance, firm size, government ownership, industry and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) usage positively influence disclosure levels, while auditing firm type and firm age show a negative association. Financial firms tend to use sustainable development reports and GRI indicators more frequently.
Practical implications
Practically, strengthening governance frameworks and promoting GRI adoption can improve the quality and extent of sustainability reporting among Vietnamese firms. Socially, enhanced SDG disclosure supports improved corporate practices that align with the United Nations SDGs, fostering a more sustainable and transparent economy in Vietnam.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining SDG disclosure and influencing factors in Vietnamese listed (2021–2023), using the GRI (2016) standard. This study contributes to transparency in Vietnam’s financial markets and sustainability practices, offering insights for preparers and policymakers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is partly funded by University of Economics, The University of Da Nang. The authors acknowledge the editors and reviewers for their comments and suggestions that helped improve the manuscript.
Citation
Nguyen, H.C. and Duong, H.K. (2025), "The extent and determinants of SDG disclosures in Vietnamese listed firms", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 335-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-08-2024-2605
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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